The Courtyards – ''Every courtyard has its own story.''
Modern cities and developed capitals are all about practical usage of limited space. Tall skyscrapers coated in metal and glassed surfaces are becoming a more common sight in Croatia while they are a norm in more developed countries.
So, how are we going to explain to our children what it means to have a courtyard?
This is what this cultural attraction is all about – letting courtyards tell their stories their own way.
Image credit: Dvorišta / The Courtyards Facebook Page
If you've been to the Uppertown, you already know everything about its romantic and historical atmosphere. There's something old-fashioned about this part of town which reminds us of the simpler times without the low fat soy milk, mobile phones, Kardashians, and the internet (*gasp* Yes, there really was a time when there was no internet). In these almost forgotten times, couples got to know each other while walking through green avenues, seniors complained about the ungrateful youth and the dishonest politicians (some things don't really change after all), and kids got creative while inventing their games.
Sure, today's fenced playgrounds are nice and pretty safe places but they lack the excitement of the mysterious and forbidden courtyards of the old abandoned houses. In the eye of a child, every abandoned house might be haunted witch house, and every old abandoned courtyard with dense vegetation and high fence might be a prison of an unknown monster or contain a treasure hidden a long time ago – just waiting to be found!
There is always something magically attractive about the unknown, and just a little bit of imagination can go a long way in creating the most interesting stories.
Image credit: Dvorišta / The Courtyards Facebook Page
That's exactly the point of The Courtyards – getting back that adventurous feeling we lost while growing up.
So what is it all about? :)
Well, the general idea is to use these forgotten courtyards and make them a meeting place for people of all generations (everyone is welcome, from these previously mentioned kids, who grew up in the meantime, to the seniors who still haven't finished their political debates).
There's a musical program, story telling about courtyards, ethnic food events, the revival of times that have passed by with costume parties and the revival of historical events. The program is usually announced somewhere around June, so you know what to expect in July and when to see events you like, but you're always welcome. You just need to know where to come. The Courtyards will be waiting for you along with a friendly crowd who gathers and makes a nice, welcoming atmosphere. And the courtyards open their gates once more to host a party like they haven't hosted in...too long.
Image credit: Dvorišta / The Courtyards Facebook Page
Last year's Courtyards hosts were:
The Balbi Palace at Demeter street 11, a baroque palace courtyard with the last well of the Uppertown.
The following one was Erdody-Draskovic Palace at Opat street 29, a courtyard of the public archive containing some of the oldest historical documents of Zagreb.
Last but not the least, the Mestrovic Atelier (even if you don't recognize his name, you have most definitely seen this sculptor's work all over Zagreb and the world). It is the courtyard of Mestrovic family house which Ivan Mestrovic had donated to Zagreb. It contains a collection of his famous works, his artwork, photographs, archive and much more.
Image credit: Katapult promocija
This year's Courtyards will be taking place from July 17 to 26, 2015. You can expect a lot of good music, friendly company, delicious snacks, and refreshing drinks – all of this at no price at all. Because the point of the Courtyards is not the money, it is the people getting to know each other in an old-fashioned way, enjoying themselves in a relaxing atmosphere and getting to know a bit about local history, as well. :)
We hope you will make time to join us and experience Zagreb like you've never experienced before, something different from the usual tourist offer. Zagreb is opening up the gates and sharing its secrets to entertain all generations of visitors.
See you there!
Header image credit: Katapult promocija
Author: Zdenka Karaman